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Business & Self-Employment

Request a Binding Tariff Ruling

A binding ruling from the Main Customs Office regarding the correct tariff classification of a good, which is binding for a period of three years.

Wo wohnen Sie?

Damit wir Request a Binding Tariff Ruling mit dem zuständigen Hauptzollamt in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.

Oder Großstadt wählen:

Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Request a Binding Tariff Ruling.

Processing: approx. 2 monthsSuccess rate: 85.0 %
Last reviewed: August 04, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1

    Documents you need

    Personalausweis oder Reisepass · Formular / Antrag

  2. 2

    Responsible authority

    The authority of your main residence

  3. 3

    How to do it

    Apply directly online

  4. 4

    Costs

    20–60 € je nach Gemeinde

Find the responsible authority

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit the application electronically via the customs portal

    Includes detailed product descriptions, photos, and technical documentation.

  2. 2

    Inspection by the Customs Technical Testing and Training Institute

    For complex goods, sample testing may be required.

  3. 3

    Issuance of the vZTA

    Valid for three years and binding on the holder throughout the EU.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Companies that import or export goods and need legal certainty regarding the customs tariff code.

Income limit

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months

Success rate

approx. 85.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • Product samples or technical data sheets are not included
  • Application filed for goods that are already the subject of another proceeding

Common reasons for rejection

  • The product description is too vague for a clear classification

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Questions & Answers

Wie lange dauert Verbindliche Zolltarifauskunft beantragen?

In der Regel ca. 60 Werktage – je nach Behörde und Auslastung.

Freshness & source

Maintenance
Continuously reviewed & updated
Source
Bundesportal (verwaltung.bund.de)
Data quality
100 %

Read more

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